Flushing device for toilets

ABSTRACT

A flushing device for toilets includes a source for applying a fluid pressure to a blockage area and provides a seal in the blocked conduit to prevent backflow so that full pressure is applied to the blockage. The device includes a resilient deformable and inflatable element secured at the end of a tubular handle which is inserted into a toilet conduit leading to the drain line. The tubular handle has a coupling at its end opposite to the end carrying the inflatable element to which a hose is connected in order to supply pressurized water to the element. The inflatable element is carried on a linear portion of the tubular handle adjacent to the discharge orifice thereof and is expanded by inflation into a sealing condition with the conduit entrance leading into the drain line. The exterior surface of the inflatable element is provided with spaced-apart ridges and grooves that are deformable to provide a positive sealing relationship with the entrance of the conduit so as to completely seal the entrance.

[0001] Priority Based on Ser. No. 60-233,721 filed 9-19-00

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates to the field of devices for unblocking toilet conduits, and more particularly to a novel device insertable into the downstream portion of a toilet conduit which includes means for sealing the conduit and for flushing the conduit clear of any blockage material that may clog or prevent the flow of fluid through the conduit.

[0004] 2. Brief Description of the Prior Art

[0005] In the past, it has been the conventional practice to alleviate blockage in toilets and/or drain lines by using a toilet plunger of the type comprising a flexible plunger element at one end of an elongated, rigid handle which is inserted into the conduit or drain line and pumped mainly to clear the blockage. Also, such resilient deformable plungers have been attached to tubular handles which are then connected via a shutoff valve and check valve to a pressurized source of water. Upon setting the valves, the pressurized water is conducted through the tubular handle and is introduced to the conduit or drain line for applying increased pressure to any blockage or obstruction in the drain line. Such a conventional device is described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,768,237.

[0006] Difficulties and problems have been encountered with conventional toilet plungers and unblockage devices which stem largely from the fact that the deformable plunger element is used in combination with or without the pressurized water to effect unblockage of the drain line and the plunger does not form an effective seal in the conduit whereby backflow is prevented. Also, since an inadequate seal is present, loss of pressure is experienced which makes the job of unblocking the conduit more difficult. Additionally, such systems require valving which in itself may clog and require maintenance.

[0007] Therefore, a long-standing need has existed to provide a novel means for unblocking conduits and removing obstructions in the conduit which not only provides adequate pressure as a positive force but includes means for sealing the conduit ahead of the blockage so that full pressure is applied thereto.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Accordingly, the above problems and difficulties are avoided by the present invention which provides a novel flushing device for toilets which not only applies increased pressure to the blockage area but provides a seal in the conduit to prevent backflow and insures full pressure being applied to the blockage. The device includes a resilient deformable and inflatable element which is secured at the end of a tubular handle and is intended to be inserted into the opening of a toilet conduit leading to the drain line. The tubular handle is provided with a coupling at its end opposite to the end carrying the inflatable element to which a hose is connected in order to supply pressurized water through the tubular handle for discharge through an open orifice. The inflatable element is carried on a linear portion of the tubular handle adjacent to the discharge orifice and is adapted to be expanded by inflation into a sealing condition with the conduit entrance leading into the drain line. The exterior surface of the inflatable element is provided with spaced-apart ridges and grooves that are deformable in order to provide a positive sealing relationship with the entrance of the conduit so as to completely seal the entrance.

[0009] A manual or hand pump is carried on the tubular handle and includes a hand-operated piston carried in a cylinder for conducting pressurized air through a pipe to the interior cavity of the inflatable element. By introducing pressurized air to the inflatable element, the central portion of the element is expanded into sealing relationship with the entrance to the conduit.

[0010] Therefore, it is among the primary objects of the present invention to provide an improved toilet flushing device which is connectable to a supply of pressurized fluid for applying increased pressure to obstruction in drain lines or the like and which includes sealing means for preventing backflow and for providing increased pressure to blockage or obstructions in the drain line.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to provide a toilet unblocking device which is connectable to a supply of pressurized fluid for simultaneously increasing pressure to remove the blockage or obstruction in the drain line as well as to seal in a positive manner, the entrance leading into the drain line ahead of the blockage so as to increase pressure for blockage and obstacle removal.

[0012] Still a further object of the present invention is to provide a novel flushing device for toilet drain or conduit lines which includes an inflatable sealing element at one end of the tubular handle through which pressurized water is conducted for discharge into the drain line after the element has been inflated into a sealing relationship.

[0013] Still a further object of the invention resides in providing a combined sealing and increased pressure device for flushing obstacles and blockages from drain lines or the like.

[0014] Yet another object resides in providing a universal pipe opener which employs utilizing high pressure air or water as a fluid to open and clear blockage within a toilet drainage pipe or conduit.

[0015] A further object including a pipe or conduit opening element or head which expands by application of pressurized air or water to firmly seal the pipe or conduit so as to apply increased pressure to an obstruction downstream.

[0016] Another object resides in providing an irregular contour to a pipe or conduit opening element or head which firmly grips and seals with the wall of the blocked conduit which prevents backflow and provides increased application of pressure to the blockage or obstruction.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] The features of the present invention which are believed to be novel are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. The present invention, both as to its organization and manner of operation, together with further objects and advantages thereof, may best be understood with reference to the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:

[0018]FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of the novel flushing device incorporating the present invention and illustrated as being installed in a typical toilet drain line or conduit;

[0019]FIG. 2 is a greatly enlarged longitudinal cross-sectional view of the inflatable element carried on the end of a tubular handle as employed in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1; and

[0020]FIG. 3 is a fragmentary sectional view of the inflatable element illustrated in its inflated condition so as to provide a seal with the entrance of the toilet drain or conduit.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0021] Referring to FIG. 1, the novel flushing device for toilets is illustrated in the general direction of arrow 10 and is illustrated in position to seal the entrance to a drainage pipe or conduit 11 formed in a basin 12 of a toilet 13. The basin 12 includes an orifice 14 which is defined by a sidewall of the drainage pipe or conduit 11 and a projection 15 which is integrally formed with the bowl 12.

[0022] The device 10 includes an elongated tubular handle 16 having an outwardly projecting portion 17 on which an expandable and inflatable element or head 18 is secured. The opposite end of tubular handle 16 terminates in a coupling 20 to which a flexible hose 21 is attached. The opposite end of hose 21 is connected to a suitable pressurized fluid such as water or air so that the pressurized fluid is introduced through the tubular handle 16 for discharge into the drainage pipe or conduit 11. Furthermore, the tubular handle 16 supports an elongated pipe 22 which is coupled at one end to a manual hand pump 23 that provides air under pressure to the interior of element 18 so that it can be expanded into sealing relationship to close the entrance to conduit 11. The hand pump 23 includes a hand-operated piston assembly 24 which is housed by a cylinder 25. A cushion sleeve 26 covers a portion of the tubular handle 16 which increases the gripping condition so that the device can be easily handled by the user. The sleeve 26 prevents slipping when grasped by the hand of the user.

[0023] Referring now in detail to FIG. 2, it can be seen that the expandable and inflatable element 18 is of a cylindrical configuration when not inflated and that the opposite ends of the element include thickened end portions 30 and 31 respectively. Connecting the end portions is an expandable member of reduced thickness, as indicated by numeral 32, which is integrally formed with the end portions 30 and 31. The member 32 includes an external surface which is provided with a plurality of spaced-apart grooves and ridges such as lateral ridge 33 and middle or central ridge 34. The interior of element 18 is an enclosed cavity, represented by numeral 35, which is inflated by pressurized air dispensed through tube or pipe 22. As the pressure builds within the cavity 35, the member 32 will expand into sealed relationship with the opening to conduit 11 by bearing against surfaces 14 and 15. Such a sealing relationship is illustrated in broken lines when the member 32 has been expanded. It can also be seen in FIG. 2 that the tubular handle 16 terminates into the linear portion 17 which includes an open discharge orifice 36 for introducing a pressurized fluid such as air or water into the drainage pipe or conduit 11.

[0024] Referring now to FIG. 3, it can be seen that the member 32 is expanded so that the ridges represented by lateral ridges 33 and center ridge 34 bear against opposing conduit surfaces leading into conduit or pipe 11.

[0025] The hand pump 25 along with tube 22 may be carried by the tubular handle in any convenient fashion. Clips, clamps or other retainers may be used to combine the pump and pipe to the handle. The inflatable element 18 may be attached to end portion 17 by adhesive between a mounting sleeve 36 integrally formed with the end portions 30 and 31 with the external surface of tube portion 17.

[0026] Therefore, in view of the foregoing, it can be seen that should blockage occur downstream from the entrance of conduit 11, the flushing device of the present invention may be employed to force the blockage or obstruction from the conduit. Initially, the coupling 20 is connected to either a high pressure through its source of water or air after the expandable element 18 has been properly seated and inflated into a sealing position at the entrance to the conduit. By introducing pressurized water or air through the tubular handle 16, the pressurized fluid is discharged from orifice 36 into the conduit or pipe 11. A positive seal is produced between the element 18 and the entrance to the conduit by means of the ribbed exterior which is not only expanded to close off the entrance but is expanded under pressure so that a positive force is in place against the opposing surfaces of the entrance to the conduit. The device is greatly simplified by employing a hand-operated piston and cylinder assemblage for introducing pressurized air to the cavity 35 of the expandable element 18. Therefore, it can be seen that a universal pipe or conduit flushing device is provided which will open a blocked or obstructed conduit which employs utilizing pressurized water or air to open the blockage. It is particularly useful in connection with a toilet drainage pipe or conduit.

[0027] The device's expandable element is employed for positively sealing the entrance to the drain line or conduit so as to prevent any backflow of fluids or air through the drain line. Thus, increased pressure is applied to a blockage or obstruction on the outlet portion of a toilet or in a drain line by supplying pressurized water or air through the tubular handle. The sealing section of the expandable member can be functional through various means such as a regular hand pump, a built-in air gun or a hand or foot pedal device. All of these means are to apply fluid pressure such as air to the expandable element to assure complete sealing of the entrance to the drain line.

[0028] While particular embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that changes and modifications may be made without departing from this invention in its broader aspects and, therefore, the aim in the appended claims is to cover all such changes and modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of this invention. 

What is claimed is:
 1. Blockage clearance device for a toilet conduit comprising: an elongated tube having opposite ends disposed between a passageway; an expandable element secured to a selected end of said tube and having an internal cavity; inflation means detachably coupled with the other end of said tube and in fluid communication with said internal cavity; a first source of pressurized fluid including said inflation means in communication with said internal cavity for introducing a pressurized fluid to said expandable element; said expandable element adapted to radially expand to close and seal with a toilet drainage conduit in response to introduction of said pressurized fluid; and a second source of pressurized fluid detachably coupled with the other end of said tube for supplying a second pressurized fluid to flow through said passageway to forcibly clear said toilet drainage conduit.
 2. The clearance device defined in claim 1 wherein: said expandable element includes an outer exterior surface carrying a plurality of spaced-apart ribs deformable upon compression to provide a sealing relationship with said toilet drainage conduit.
 3. The clearance device defined in claim 2 wherein: said selected end of said tube having an outwardly projecting sleeve supporting and mounting said expandable element.
 4. The clearance device defined in claim 3 wherein: said expandable element includes a pair of end members of a given thickness and a cylindrical membrane joining said end member about said internal cavity and said membrane composed of a pliable material substantially thinner than said given thickness of said end members.
 5. The clearance device defined in claim 4 wherein: said inflation means includes the selection of: a. hand pump, b. air gun, c. manual foot pedal.
 6. The clearance device defined in claim 4 wherein: said inflation means includes a pipe having a pair of ends with one end terminating with said internal cavity and the other end connected with said first source of pressurized fluid.
 7. The clearance device defined in claim 6 including: a cushion grip carried on an external surface of said tube.
 8. The clearance device defined in claim 7 wherein: said first and said second source of pressurized fluid being coupled together to provide a unitary construction.
 9. In a pipe or drain opener of the type comprising a rubberized expandable member having a cylindrical flexible element with an edged shape exterior surface forcibly engagable with an inner surface of said pipe or drain; an elongated handle extending from said expandable member to an opposite end connected with an inflation source; and said handle having an air passage therethrough. 